Canning Dam

Located on the Canning River approximately 33km from Perth, this dam combines scenic beauty with fascinating Western Australian history and is one of our most important reservoirs.

Please note: There are some instances when our dam recreation areas will be closed, particularly in summer when there may be a bushfire risk. Before planning a visit to one of our dams, phone us 24 hours on 13 13 75 or check our Facebook page for a post about dam closures.

Dam information

Dam wall at Canning Dam

Capacity – 90.5 million kilolitres

Catchment area – 730 square kilometres

Reservoir length – 11 kilometres

What to do?

Enjoy a picnic lunch. We recommend the lower picnic area where the creek flows through; it is a stunning spot to eat your barbecue lunch. Be sure to take a photo!

Follow a walking trail that is specially designed to take you past historical features, such as the old contour channel and stilling chamber.

Prefer a leisurely stroll? Some walk trails are short, just for you. Feel more energetic? Try our longer trails. You can also take walks across the dam wall to enjoy lookouts.

This area has abundant native birdlife for you to search for. You might also catch a glimpse of a kangaroo in the early morning.

Visitor information

Park area at Canning Dam

Canning Dam is open every day of the week until 6pm (closes at 5pm from May to September).

Facilities

Directions

Just beyond Kelmscott, turn left onto Brookton Highway and follow to Roleystone

Turn right onto Croyden Road and follow the signs for approximately 9km

Protecting the dams for future generations

Enjoy visiting Canning Dam and its surrounding water catchment area and please stay safe.

Some activities are not allowed. These include:

Canning Dam map - click image to expand

swimming

camping

fishing

hunting

boating.

Please leave dogs and other pets at home.

Comply with all signs and keep to the designated recreation areas, pathways and roads. Additionally, always observe the 2km exclusion zine upstream of the dam wall - this helps protect the water source from contamination.